Submandibular gland epithelial development and the importance of junctions.

Salivary glands consist of highly specialized epithelial cells that secrete the fluid, saliva, and/or transport saliva into the oral cavity. Saliva is essential to lubricate the oral cavity for food consumption and to maintain the hygiene of the oral cavity. In this review, we will focus on the formation of the epithelial cell lineage and the cell junctions that are essential for formation of saliva and maintenance of the epithelial barrier between the ducts that transport saliva and the extracellular environment.